Santa Barbara Unified School District cancels events due to coronavirus; schools still open

With UCSB and Westmont College both going to remote instruction, and SBCC inching toward the same solution, the Santa Barbara Unified School District has announced that schools will remain open, while “non-essential travel and events for students and staff through at least the remainder of March” will be either canceled or postponed.

Here is a note that was sent through the app ParentSquare:

“In response to this morning’s information from Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), K-12 districts in Santa Barbara County are united in their decision to cancel or postpone non-essential travel and events for students and staff through at least the remainder of March. Districts are working diligently to cancel these events and the community can expect notifications shortly.

‘With the recent guidance from the California Department of Public Health, our Santa Barbara County public schools are united in our approach to cancel or postpone large events and those that cannot accommodate social distancing,” said Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools Susan Salcido. “School itself is an essential gathering and will continue unless the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department gives direction otherwise. Each school district is

carefully balancing the importance of public health with the need for students to learn and be provided with continued school supports.’

“The Santa Barbara County Education Office (SBCEO) is in frequent communication with the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health (SBCPHD) and the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Management (SBCOEM) as well as school districts, charter and independent schools about issues related to students and their families, and our schools. Questions on specific school-based events should be directed to the school district.”